Sunday, June 13, 2010

God for Harry, England and St. George!


I've only just recovered from yesterday's World Cup football match. My ears are still ringing with the sound of trumpets and foghorns having joined 400 people on the roof of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles to cheer on England against the USA. It was a disappointing draw with an excruciatingly embarrassing fumble by our goalie giving the USA the one goal they needed. I'm not a great follower of football; I don't understand our national game of cricket and much prefer the rough and tumble of rugby. Still, it was great to hang out with Ex-Pats with Brits in LA and wave the English flag. Not many people know that the true flag of England (not Great Britain) is the cross of St. George which is gradually regaining in popularity. The increasing cry is "The flag is for life! Not just for football." As the patron saint of England, St. George's Day is celebrated on April 23. His emblem was adopted by Richard the Lion Heart and brought to England in the 12th century. The king's soldiers wore it on their tunics to avoid confusion in battle.

Having living in California now for over 17 years, I still get the chills when I see that flag and sing our National Anthem.

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